The CBIC issued Circular No. 07/2025-Customs on March 05, 2025, facilitating the import of pet dogs and cats under the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898. It builds on Circular No. 35/2020-Customs and incorporates new regulations from the DAHD’s Office Memorandum dated 20.02.2025. The key change is that AQCS will issue a final “No Objection Certificate” (NoC) round the clock at the port of entry. However, owners must obtain an advance NoC from AQCS by submitting required documents and notifying the arrival time via email. Pet imports are restricted to specific ports: Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi airports; and Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata seaports or airports. Trade notices and standing orders should be issued to inform relevant parties and guide field officers.
Attention is invited to Board’s Circular No. 35/2020-Customs dated 10.08.2020. in respect of revised procedure relating to import of Pet / Live Animals.
Now, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has issued Office Memorandum dated 20.02.2025 (copy enclosed), issued from File No. 109-01/2012-Trade (E-17748) prescribing Regulation of import of pet dog and pet cat under the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898: Facilitation for final Quarantine Clearance. The Relevant portion is reproduced for ease of reference:
“3. ln the interest of welfare of pet dog and pet cat as well as facilitation to owners, the final “No Objection Certificate (NoC)” by the concerned AQCS will be issued to imported pet dog and pet cat round the clock at the port of entry itself. However, the owner has to ensure receiving of advance NoC from the respective AQCS after submission of requisite documents and prior intimation of date & time of arrival through email.”
It may also be noted that import of pet dogs and pet cats is allowed only through the following ports as notified by DAHD [DAHD notification no. S.O. 976(E) dated 20.04.2009, S.O. 1495(E) dated 10.06.2014, S.O. 191(E) dated 11.01.2023 and S.O. 4396(E) dated 10.10.2024]: –
(a) airports located at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi; and
(b) seaports or airports located at Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
In addition to the procedures stated in Circular No.35/2020-Customs dated 10.08.2020, the above facilitation measure by AQCS may be brought to the notice of the trade / airlines / carriers by issuing suitable Trade / Public Notices. Suitable Standing order / instructions may be issued for the guidance of the field officers.
The Circular can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Circular-No-07-2025.pdf
